Pac-12 Tournament: Andre Roberson Returns to Colorado Lineup

Good news emerged on Tuesday night for Colorado fans.

Junior forward Andre Roberson, who missed the last two games of the regular season with a viral illness, is healthy and ready to return to the Buffaloes’ lineup this week. Roberson’s return couldn’t of come at a better time,as Colorado prepares for a second consecutive Pac-12 Tournament run.

Prior to the Buffaloes’ victory over Oregon last week, a hot rumor began circulating surrounding Roberson’s health, some even speculating that he had mono and would virtually be done for the year. Well, head coach Tad Boyle quickly shot down those rumors and hinted at the possibility that Roberson could return this week.

Turns out his coach knew more than the Twitter rumors. What a shocker.

Roberson is the nation’s leading rebounder, averaging 11.5 boards, while also scoring at a 10.8 clip per game. Roberson undoubtedly holds the key to the Buffaloes’ success in this postseason and if last year was any indication of how dangerous this team can be down the stretch, just look at some past examples. Colorado rode their momentum to a Pac-12 Tournament crown and NCAA Tournament bid in 2012 and once again this team has aspirations of dancing next week.

The Buffaloes however, will simply take things game by game and that starts on Wednesday afternoon when Colorado takes on Oregon State in the conference tournament’s opening round. The Beavers just recently shocked the Buffaloes over the weekend by a final score of 64-58, so Colorado will certainly be looking to make adjustments in this one.

The biggest advantage is seeking revenge is obviously the fact that Roberson will be active. Rant Sports’ writer David LaRose, who in Las Vegas for the Pac-12 Tournament, said that Roberson is expected to start on Wednesday afternoon, but he does not expect him to play any more than 20 minutes.

Tip-off between Colorado and Oregon State is scheduled for 5:30pm (EST).

 

Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS